AP Headline News May 16 2019 19:00 (EDT)

 

AP Radio News. I'm Tim McGuire.

 

President Trump announces a proposal to change the nation's immigration laws. In a sunny rose garden, the President skipped much of his usual hardline rhetoric and said the new policy will both secure the southern border and recruit top talent to America which he says he's left out in a system favoring family based immigration.

"We discriminate against genius. We discriminate against briliants."

He says his plans will favor those with high level skills and degrees not those with relatives here. The President alternately called for Democrats to back the plan and said they support lawless chaos. Republicans have yet to embrace it. Nevermind Democrats mean the prospects of a deal seem bleak as next year's election approaches. Sagar Meghani at the White House.

 

Top congressional leaders got a classified briefing on Iran today but many of the lawmakers have criticized the White House for not keeping them informed. Earlier today President Trump was asked by a reporter.

"President. Are we going to a war with Iran?"

"I hope not."

Trump pulled the U.S. out of the Iran nuclear deal last year reinstating sanctions, tensions rose May 5th when National Security advisor John Bolton announced USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group would be sent in to the Persian Gulf ahead of schedule. Since then 4 oil tankers were targeted in apparent act of sabotage and a Saudi pipeline was attacked by a Iranian backed rebels from Yemen.

 

MGM resorts in its quartely report to the Security and Exchange Commission says it might pay up to $800 million dollars to settle liability lawsuits from the 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas. The company noting it believes a settlement can be reached by next May and as more than $750 million dollars insurance can cover most of the cost. A lawyer for the plaintiffs calls the amount not even close and it's premature for MGM resorts to report a possible settlement. This is AP Radio News.

 

An internal investigation faults premium travel cost run up by the former head of the EPA and his bodyguards. Mike Gracio has the story.

The Environmental Protection Agency's Inspector General is urging the agency to look into recovering $124,000 in premium travel charges run up by former EPA administrator Scott Pruitt and his bodyguards. The EPA watchdog rejected Pruitt's contention that his first and business class travel at taxpayer's expense was warranted by security concerns. The Inspector General reviewed 40 trips that cost $985,000, 6 of the trips were canceled. Pruitt resigned last July dogged by a series of ethics allegations. Mike Gracio, Washington.

 

Another Democrat jumps into a crowded pool of candidates.

"I'm Bill De Blasio and I'm running for President becuase it's time we put working people first."

The mayor of New York says President Trump is a con artist. I'm Tim McGuire. AP Radio News.